JP4819666B2 - Wireless equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a non-linear device, in particular, comprise a degenerate separation element as an element of the antenna, a wireless device comprises a patch antenna switched according to the polarization the same.

  In recent years, mobile phones have become more multifunctional and are equipped with various wireless applications. As an example, there is a mobile phone having a function of specifying its position using GPS (Grobal Positioning System). Such a cellular phone includes a circularly polarized patch antenna (GPS circularly polarized patch antenna) for receiving radio waves of GPS in order to receive radio waves from GPS satellites.

It is desirable that the circularly polarized patch antenna can receive efficiently regardless of whether it is left-handed circularly polarized wave (LHCP) or right-handed circularly polarized wave (RHCP). For this reason, for example, a patch antenna has been proposed in which a patch antenna is installed on six cube-shaped surfaces so that the polarization-changing surface does not exist without switching the polarization (see Patent Document 1). ). In addition, a patch antenna has been proposed that can easily cope with left-handed circularly polarized waves and right-turned circularly polarized waves by providing a dielectric for adjustment on the feeding patch (see Patent Document 2). Various types of patch elements have been proposed (see Patent Document 3).
JP 2001-332929 A JP 2003-347832 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-167335

  In a cellular phone, the circularly polarized patch antenna is optimized only for one of the open / closed states of the casing, and is not optimized for the other state. That is, in a mobile phone, since circular polarization cannot be controlled according to the open / closed state of the casing, loss is increased and inefficiency is required for receiving weak radio waves.

  For example, since the radio wave from the GPS satellite is RHCP, the folding mobile phone is designed to efficiently receive this polarized wave in its open state (a state in which the movable part having the liquid crystal screen is opened). . In this case, the polarization direction seen from the antenna is the right turn direction. In other words, this circularly polarized patch antenna for GPS is an antenna for receiving RHCP. However, in the closed state (the state in which the movable part is closed), radio waves from GPS satellites are received from the back of the antenna. In this case, the polarization direction seen from the antenna is the left-turning direction, which is equivalent to receiving LHCP radio waves by the RHCP receiving antenna. That is, it seems that the cross polarization relationship is established and the antenna characteristics are deteriorated.

  Therefore, there is a need for an antenna that can match the open / close state of the housing and the received polarization regardless of the open / close state of the mobile phone housing. However, a patch antenna mounted on a small terminal such as a mobile phone must be small. For example, it is very difficult to mount the cubic patch antenna described in Patent Document 1 on a terminal such as a mobile phone.

An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless device including a patch antenna that can satisfactorily receive both left-handed circularly polarized waves and right-handed circularly polarized waves regardless of the open / closed state of the casing of the terminal. And

Wireless device of the present invention comprises first and second housing disposed to open and close, and the patch antenna provided on either of said first or second housing, open and closed states of said first and second housing detect and and a close detection portion for forming a switching signal indicative of said open and closed states. The patch antenna includes a first element corresponding to the first polarization, a second element added to the first element corresponding to the second polarization, and the second element from the first element. by connecting cut or to this, and a switching unit for a state of the patch antenna suitable for the first or second polarization. The switching unit includes a switch element that connects between the first and second elements. The switch element includes a diode having a cathode connected to the first element and an anode connected to the second element. The second element is connected to the ground potential via a choke coil. Based on the opening / closing signal, the switching unit switches disconnection of the second element from the first element and connection to the first element. When the first and second housings are in an open state, the diode is turned off by the open / close signal, whereby the second element is disconnected from the first element, and the patch antenna is moved to the first antenna The state is suitable for polarization. When the first and second housings are closed, the second element is connected to the first element by turning on the diode by the open / close signal, and the patch antenna is connected to the second antenna. The state is suitable for polarization.

  Preferably, in one embodiment of the present invention, the wireless device further includes an attitude detection unit that detects an inclination of the housing and forms an attitude signal indicating the inclination, and the opening / closing signal and the attitude signal. And a control unit for forming a control signal for the switching unit. Based on the control signal, the switching unit switches disconnection of the second element from the first element and connection to the first element.

According to the wireless device of the present invention , the patch antenna is provided in one of the first and second housings that can be opened and closed, and based on the opening and closing signal indicating the opening and closing state of the first and second housings, The second element corresponding to the second polarization is disconnected or connected to the first element corresponding to the first polarization. Thus, when the first and second housings are in the open state, the diode is turned off by the open / close signal to disconnect the second element from the first element and make the patch antenna suitable for the first polarization. When the first and second housings are in a closed state, the diode is turned on by an open / close signal to connect the second element to the first element and to connect the patch antenna to the second It is possible to obtain a state suitable for the polarized wave.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the switching unit disconnects the second element from the first element and connects to the first element based on the attitude signal indicating the inclination of the housing and the opening / closing signal. Switch. Thereby, according to the inclination and state of a housing | casing, a patch antenna can be made into the state suitable for the 1st or 2nd polarized wave.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a wireless device including a patch antenna according to the present invention. 2 and 3 are configuration diagrams showing a mobile phone which is an example of the wireless device of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a wireless device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 2, a rotation support unit 3, a patch antenna 4, a capacitor 5, and a high-frequency signal detection circuit (RF). 6 and an open / close detection unit 7. The capacitor 5 and the detection circuit 6 constitute a feeding means for the patch antenna 4.

  The patch antenna 4 receives a radio wave W from, for example, a GPS satellite. The radio signal received by the patch antenna 4 is supplied to the detection circuit 6 via the feeder line 49. The feeder line 49 connects between the capacitor 5 of the feeder unit and the patch antenna 4 (first element 41 thereof). The capacitor 5 cuts the DC component. The detection circuit 6 is a detection circuit that detects the radio wave received by the patch antenna 4 and outputs it to a subsequent signal processing circuit (not shown).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the wireless device 1 includes a foldable mobile phone 1. In other words, the housing 2 of the mobile phone 1 is provided so as to be openable and closable (foldable). For this purpose, the housing 2 includes a first housing 21 and a second housing 22. Specifically, the housing 2 connects the fixed portion 21 that is the first housing and the movable portion 22 that is the second housing that is relatively movable with respect to the fixed portion 21, so as to be rotatable. It consists of a known rotation support part 3. The patch antenna 4 is housed inside the housing 2 and provided in either the first housing 21 or the second housing 22.

  Note that the patch antenna 4 of the present embodiment can be applied to, for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA) other than the mobile phone 1. The patch antenna 4 of the present embodiment is not limited to the foldable mobile phone 1 and may be a mobile phone having a single casing or a mobile phone that rotates a movable part 180 degrees in a parallel plane with respect to a fixed part. It can also be applied to telephones.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the patch antenna 4 is switched between a first element 41 corresponding to the first polarization and a second element 42 added to the first element 41 corresponding to the second polarization. Part 43. The switching unit 43 disconnects the second element 42 from the first element 41 or connects it to the first element 41, thereby making the patch antenna 4 suitable for the first or second polarization.

  The open / close detection unit 7 detects an open / closed state of the housing 2 and forms an open / close signal indicating the open / closed state. For this purpose, as is well known, the open / close detection unit 7 detects whether the mobile phone 1 is in an open state or a closed state in conjunction with the movement of the rotation support unit 3. The method of detecting the open / closed state of the housing 2 by the open / close detection unit 7 is not limited to the above. For example, in the case of a mobile phone, there are cases in which the angle at which the housing is opened is set in several stages, but up to which state is set to the open state or the closed state is predetermined. Although not shown, the open / close detection unit 7 is provided, for example, on a printed circuit board (described later) on which the patch antenna 4 is formed.

  The open / close detection unit 7 applies an open / close signal to the switching unit 43 via a feeder line 49 that is originally used to connect the patch antenna 4 and the detection circuit 6. As will be described later, the open / close signal consists only of a direct current component. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the power supply line 49 for propagating the high-frequency signal for the detection circuit 6 is shared for applying a DC signal. Since the capacitor 5 is inserted in the previous stage of the detection circuit 6, it is possible to prevent the open / close signal from affecting the detection circuit 6 by cutting the open / close signal composed of a DC component.

  The switching unit 43 switches the disconnection of the second element 42 from the first element 41 and the connection to the first element 41 based on the opening / closing signal from the opening / closing detection unit 7. That is, it can be said that the open / close signal is a control signal for the switching unit 43, and the open / close detection unit 7 is a control unit for the switching unit 43.

  For example, when the second element 42 is disconnected from the first element 41, the patch antenna 4 is configured by the first element 41 corresponding to the first polarization. Therefore, the patch antenna 4 is in a state suitable for receiving the first polarization. By connecting the second element 42 to the first element 41, the patch antenna 4 is constituted by the first element 41 and the second element 42 corresponding to the second polarization. Therefore, the patch antenna 4 is in a state suitable for receiving the second polarized wave.

  In this example, the first polarization is RHCP. For example, the radio wave W from the GPS satellite is RHCP. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining circularly polarized waves, and the illustrated arrows indicate the polarization directions. In FIG. 4, the circularly polarized wave arriving from direction A is RHCP (right turn as viewed from direction A). In the wireless device 1 that intends to receive the radio wave W, it is set in advance so as to receive RHCP from the direction A on the surface of the patch antenna 4 (patch element 411, which will be described later).

  In this example, the second polarization is LHCP. In FIG. 4, the circularly polarized wave arriving from direction B is LHCP (left turning as viewed from B). For example, when the radio device 1 set to receive RHCP on the front surface of the patch antenna 4 receives the radio wave W of the GPS satellite on the back surface of the patch antenna 4, this corresponds to this. Thus, even in the same circularly polarized wave, the polarization direction is reversed depending on the direction in which the circularly polarized wave is viewed, in other words, depending on the direction of the antenna that receives the circularly polarized wave.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing unit 21 is a housing provided with a number button 211. As shown in FIG. 2, the movable portion 22 is a housing provided with a liquid crystal screen 223. In this example, the patch antenna 4 is provided inside the movable portion 22 as indicated by a dotted line in FIGS. 2, 3 (A), and 3 (B).

  2 and 3A show the open state of the mobile phone 1. That is, the movable unit 22 including the liquid crystal screen 223 is opened. For example, the user opens and communicates with the mobile phone 1 by rotating the movable unit 22 around the rotation support unit 3 in the direction of arrow A while holding the fixed unit 21 by hand. At this time, the inner surface 221 of the movable part 22 faces upward (in the direction of the GPS satellite), and accordingly, for example, a GPS radio wave W is received from the surface side of the patch antenna 4. An inner surface 221 of the movable portion 22 is a surface provided with a liquid crystal screen 223.

  Thus, the foldable mobile phone 1 is in an open state during a call. Therefore, the cellular phone 1 is designed so that circularly polarized waves can be efficiently received in the open state (during a call). That is, the patch antenna 4 is provided so as to receive the GPS radio wave W from the direction of the surface when the housing is in the open state. In other words, the patch antenna 4 is configured to be an RHCP receiving antenna when the housing 2 is open.

  FIG. 3B shows a closed state of the mobile phone 1. That is, the movable portion 22 is closed. For example, the user closes the cellular phone 1 by rotating the movable portion 22 around the rotation support portion 3 in the direction of the arrow B shown in FIG. Fold) and place on the desk. At this time, the outer surface 222 of the movable portion 22 faces upward, and accordingly, the patch antenna 4 receives the GPS radio wave W from the back surface (back surface) side.

  Thus, when the cellular phone 1 is in the closed state, the patch antenna 4 receives the radio wave W from the GPS satellite from the back surface thereof. In other words, the patch antenna 4 is configured to be an antenna for LHCP reception when the housing 2 is in the closed state.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of the patch antenna 4 of the present embodiment. 5A shows the planar structure of the patch antenna 4, and FIGS. 5B and 5C show the conceptual configuration of the patch antenna 4. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the patch antenna 4 includes a first element 41, a second element 42, a switching unit 43, a choke coil 46, and a dielectric layer 47. The first element 41 and the second element 42 constitute an antenna element. The first element 41 includes a patch element 411 and a first degenerate separation element 412. Therefore, the first element 41 is an antenna conductor including the first degenerate separation element 412. The second element 42 includes a second degenerate separation element 42. The switching unit 43 includes a switch element 43. The first element 41, the second element 42, the switching unit 43 and the choke coil 46 are formed on the dielectric layer 47.

  The patch element 411 of the first element 41 is connected to a power supply line 49 at a power supply point 45 as described later. The patch element 411 is connected to the second element, that is, the second degenerate separation element 42 via the switch element 43. The second degenerate separation element 42 is connected to the ground potential (or reference potential) via the choke coil 46.

  The first element 41 of the patch antenna 4 is formed of a conductor layer having a missing region in which a circular or regular polygonal outer periphery is cut out in a concave shape at two predetermined opposing locations. That is, the patch element 411 is substantially circular as shown in FIG. As is well known, two missing regions 412 are provided by cutting out two portions of the circumference of the patch element 411 into a substantially rectangular shape at point-symmetric positions. The missing region 412 is a concave first degenerate separation element, for example, a degenerate separation element for RHCP.

  The shape of the patch element 411 is not limited to a circle, and may be a regular polygon (for example, a regular octagon) as is well known. In this case, the missing region 412 is formed by cutting out the central part of the two opposing sides of the regular polygon into a concave shape.

  The second element 42 is provided at a position corresponding to each of the two missing regions 412 and includes two conductor layers having a similar shape to the missing region 412. That is, the second degenerate separation elements 42 are provided at positions facing the missing region 412 at two locations outside the circumference of the patch element 411. The second degenerate separation element 42 is a convex degenerate separation element, and constitutes a part of, for example, a degenerate separation element for LHCP. The second degenerate separation element 42 is a quadrangle that is similar to the missing region 412.

  The switching unit 43 includes two switch elements 43. The two switch elements 43 each connect between the first element 41 and the two conductor layers that are the second elements 42. That is, the second degenerate separation element 42 is connected to the patch element 411 via the switch element 43. As shown in FIG. 5A, a switch element 43 is provided inside a region 412 cut out in a square shape. The switch element 43 includes, for example, a PIN diode 43 suitable for high frequency switching. Each switch element 43 connects the patch element 411 and the second degenerate separation element 42 in the diameter direction of the circular patch element 411.

  Each of the two switch elements 43 includes a PIN diode 43 having a cathode connected to the patch element 411 of the first element 41 and an anode connected to a second element (second degenerate separation element) 42. That is, the PIN diode 43 is connected such that the direction from the first element 41 to the second element 42 is the forward direction. This is because the control signal of the switching unit 43 from the open / close detection unit 7 is applied to the switching unit 43 from the direction of the first element 41 via the feeder line 49 as described later. The PIN diode 43 is provided along a line connecting the two missing regions 412 facing each other.

  The second element 42 is connected to the choke coil 46 at a position opposite to the position where it is connected to the PIN diode 43, and is connected to the ground potential via this. The choke coil 46 blocks the AC signal and conducts only the DC signal. Therefore, the second element 42 is not grounded for the AC signal, and the second element 42 is grounded for the DC signal. As a result, a closed circuit can be configured for an open / close signal (or a control signal described later) composed of a direct current component without affecting the reception of radio waves in the second element 42.

  In a state where the PIN diode 43 is conductive and the first element 41 and the second element 42 are connected, the apparent diameter of the patch antenna 4 is such that the second element 42 protrudes in the portion where the second element 42 is provided. It becomes longer as much as it is.

  In this example, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the feeding point 45 is divided into four equal parts by two dotted lines passing through the center of the circular patch element 411 and orthogonal to each other. In the lower right region. Actually, depending on the position of the feeding point 45, the relationship between the degeneracy separation element and the reception state of the polarization differs. That is, it differs in which depolarization separation element is added and which polarization state is received. However, since the position of the feeding point 45 is fixed, this relationship can be determined in advance.

  The switch element 43 is not limited to a diode. As the switch element 43, for example, a switch element such as a transistor such as a MOSFET may be used. In this case, it is necessary to use a MOSFET having excellent high-frequency response characteristics according to the frequency of the received radio wave (for example, a radio wave from a GPS satellite).

  FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of the patch antenna 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6A shows a cross-sectional structure of the patch antenna 4 along the cutting line VV shown in FIG. 5A, and FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional structure of the patch antenna 4 in the vicinity of the switch element 43. Show.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the patch antenna 4 is formed on the dielectric layer 47, the patch element 411 including the conductor layer formed on the surface of the dielectric layer 47, and the back surface of the dielectric layer 47. And a ground conductor 48 made of a conductor layer. The patch element 411 is connected to the power supply line 49. The feed line 49 is connected to the antenna conductor 411 at the feed point 45 through a connection hole 410 formed in the dielectric layer 47. Although not shown, the ground conductor 48 is connected to a ground potential.

  The dielectric layer 47 is made of, for example, a printed wiring board. Various other circuits such as the detection circuit 6 and the open / close detection unit 7 are formed on the printed wiring board. As shown in FIG. 6B, the switch element (PIN diode) 43 is provided in a region 412 cut out in a rectangular shape of the patch element 411. The switch element 43 actually connects between the patch element 411 and the second degenerate separation element 42 via the wiring 44.

  Next, the relationship between the patch antenna 4 of this embodiment and the open / closed state of the housing 2 of the mobile phone 1 will be described.

  First, a case where the mobile phone 1 (the housing 2 thereof) is in an open state will be described. When the mobile phone 1 is in an open state, the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are in an open state as shown in FIG. In response to this, the open / close detection unit 7 detects the open / closed state of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, and forms a low level signal (for example, 0V) as an open / close signal according to the result. To do. The PIN diode 43 is turned off by the low level of the open / close signal. As a result, the second element 42 is disconnected from the first element 41, and the patch antenna 4 is brought into a state suitable for the first polarization (RHCP).

  That is, the PIN diode 43 is not forward-biased (reversely biased) due to the low level of the open / close signal, and is thus turned off. Accordingly, the second element 42 is cut from the first element 41. As a result, the patch antenna 4 is in a state in which the second degenerate separation element 42 is cut. Therefore, the patch antenna 4 is configured by the first element 41 corresponding to the first polarization, that is, the patch element 411 to which the first degenerate separation element 412 is added.

  As described above, conceptually, the patch element 411 has a configuration as shown in FIG. As a result, the patch antenna 4 is configured to be an RHCP receiving antenna.

  Second, the case where the mobile phone 1 (the housing 2 thereof) is in a closed state will be described. When the mobile phone 1 is in a closed state, the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are in a closed state as shown in FIG. In response to this, the open / close detection unit 7 forms and outputs a high level signal (for example, 5V) as an open / close signal. The PIN diode 43 is turned on by the high level of the open / close signal. As a result, the second element 42 is connected to the first element 41, and the patch antenna 4 is in a state suitable for the second polarization (LHCP).

  That is, the PIN diode 43 is forward-biased by the high level of the open / close signal, and thus is turned on. Therefore, the second element 42 is connected (short-circuited) to the first element 41. As a result, the patch antenna 4 is in a state where the second degenerate separation element 42 is connected. Therefore, the patch antenna 4 is in a state suitable for the second polarization. As a result, the patch antenna 4 includes the first element 41 and the second element 42 corresponding to the second polarization, that is, the patch element 411 and the second degenerate separation element 42.

  In this case, the patch antenna 4 is in a state in which a part of its diameter is increased as shown in FIG. In receiving polarization, the diameter of the circular patch element 411 is important. Therefore, when the second degenerate separation element 42 (42 ') is added, the patch antenna 4 becomes an antenna for LHCP reception.

  As described above, conceptually, the patch element 411 is configured to include the second degenerate separation element 42 ′ as shown in FIG. As a result, the patch antenna 4 is configured to be an antenna for LHCP reception.

  As described above, the first (concave) degenerate separation element (missing region) 412 is added to the patch element 411 when the housing 2 is in the open state, and the second (convex) degenerate separation element 42 is added to the closed state. It is added to the patch element 411. As a result, the patch element 411 appears to be an antenna (antenna conductor) having a concave degenerate separation element when the housing 2 is open, and is an antenna having a convex degeneration separation element when the housing 2 is closed. I can see.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cross polarization relationship from being established regardless of the open / closed state of the housing 2. That is, the circularly polarized patch antenna 4 can be matched with the polarization of the radio wave from the satellite. In other words, the polarization of the patch antenna 4 can be switched according to the open / close state of the housing. Thereby, it can be prevented that the antenna characteristics appear to be deteriorated, and measurement can be performed in an optimum state. Even if the volume of the patch antenna 4 itself is small and the gain is low, the radio wave W of the GPS satellite can be received efficiently, and the housing 2 can be downsized.

  In the above description, as shown in FIG. 3A, the patch antenna 4 is provided on the movable portion 22 such that the surface (the surface on which the patch element 411 is formed) faces the inner surface 221 (the rear side of the housing). Is about the case. The present invention can also be applied to the reverse case. That is, the present invention can also be applied to the case where the patch antenna 4 is provided on the movable portion 22 so that the surface thereof faces the outer surface 222 (front direction of the housing). Specifically, in the case of the housing rear direction, the switch element 43 is turned on and off when the housing 2 is in the open state and the closed state, respectively. It is said. That is, when the housing 2 is in the open state and the closed state, the switch element 43 is turned off and on, respectively. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied even when the patch antenna 4 is provided on the fixing portion 21 so that the surface thereof faces the inner surface or the outer surface. The above also applies to the examples of FIGS. 7 to 9 below.

  7 to 9 show a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram illustrating another example of the wireless device 1 including the patch antenna 4 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a mobile phone which is an example of the wireless device 1 of FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a mobile phone which is an example of the wireless device 1 of FIG. This example is an example further including an attitude detection unit 10 (and A / D 9) and a control unit 8 in the examples shown in FIGS. That is, this is an example in which the state of the patch antenna 4 corresponds not only to the open / closed state of the mobile phone 1 but also to the state (tilt) of the mobile phone 1 at that time.

  The posture detection unit 10 includes a known three-dimensional tilt sensor or acceleration sensor, detects the tilt of the housing 2, forms a posture signal (analog signal) indicating the tilt, and an analog-to-digital conversion circuit (A / D) ) Input to 9. Thereby, the attitude signal is converted into a digital signal and input to the control unit 8. The above-described opening / closing signal is input to the control unit 8 from the opening / closing detection unit 7. The control unit 8 forms a control signal for the switching unit 43 based on the open / close signal and the attitude signal. The switching unit 43 switches the disconnection of the second element 42 from the first element 41 and the connection to this based on the control signal.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the posture detection unit 10 is provided such that its inclination is the same as the inclination of the patch antenna 4 with respect to the first and second polarizations. For example, the posture detection unit 10 is provided on a printed circuit board (not shown) provided with the patch antenna 4 inside the movable unit 22.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the posture detection unit 10 includes the patch antenna 4 (or the patch antenna 4 in the directions of three axes of the X axis (roll), the Y axis (pitch), and the Z axis (yaw) orthogonal to each other. The inclination of the provided second casing 22) is detected, and three attitude signals indicating the inclinations of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are formed. In the case shown in FIG. 8, the X axis is unrelated to the reception of the first and second polarizations, and the Y axis and the Z axis are dominant in the reception of the polarization. This is appropriately changed according to the assignment of the X axis and the like.

  Therefore, the control unit 8 forms an intermediate signal that is the basis of the control signal in accordance with the combination of the Y-axis attitude signal and the Z-axis attitude signal. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 9A, the control unit 8 causes the patch antenna 4 to change the first and second polarizations according to the combination of the Y-axis attitude signal and the Z-axis attitude signal. There is provided a table 81 for determining which state should be suitable. Note that the control unit 8 may include a table 82 described later.

  In the case shown in FIG. 8, the circularly polarized wave reception state changes twice while rotating 360 degrees about the Y axis. Accordingly, the Y-axis attitude signal is divided into two groups each having an inclination angle of 180 degrees. In the case shown in FIG. 8, the circularly polarized wave reception state changes four times while rotating 360 degrees about the Z axis. Therefore, the Z-axis attitude signal is divided into four groups with 90 degrees of inclination angle. This is appropriately changed according to the assignment of the Y axis and the like. At this time, the Y-axis attitude signal is not 1 to 180 degrees, but 0 to 179 degrees constitutes a group. The same applies to the Z-axis attitude signal.

  The control unit 8 refers to the table 81 according to the combination of the Y-axis attitude signal and the Z-axis attitude signal, and forms an intermediate signal that is the basis of the control signal based on the table 81. For example, when the Y-axis attitude signal is in the range of 0 to 179 degrees and the Z-axis attitude signal is in the range of 0 to 89 degrees, the intermediate signal is set to “F” according to the table 81. This indicates that it is the same as the case of the above-mentioned case front direction. For example, when the Y-axis attitude signal is in the range of 0 to 179 degrees and the Z-axis attitude signal is in the range of 90 to 179 degrees, the intermediate signal is set to “R” according to the table 81. This indicates that it is the same as that in the case of the rear side of the casing.

  Next, the control unit 8 forms a control signal based on the intermediate signal and the open / close signal. For this purpose, the control unit 8 logically converts the intermediate signal. FIG. 9B shows an example of the intermediate signal subjected to logical conversion. FIG. 9C shows an example of an open / close signal.

  When the intermediate signal is “F”, the control unit 8 converts the intermediate signal “F” into a high level signal (H) as shown in FIG. 9B. Thereby, when the housing | casing 2 is an open state and a closed state, the control signal which turns on and off the switch element 43 can be formed, respectively. Accordingly, the patch antenna 4 can be controlled in the same manner as in the case of the front side of the casing.

  When the intermediate signal is “R”, the control unit 8 converts the intermediate signal “R” into a low level signal (L) as shown in FIG. 9B. Thereby, when the housing | casing 2 is an open state and a closed state, the control signal which turns off and turns on the switch element 43 can be formed, respectively. Accordingly, the patch antenna 4 can be controlled in the same manner as in the case of the above-described rear case direction. Thereby, according to the attitude | position of the mobile telephone 1, the patch antenna 4 can control the receiving state of a circular polarization more correctly.

  As can be seen from the above, the features of the embodiment of the present invention are grasped as follows.

(Supplementary note 1) a first element corresponding to the first polarization;
A second element added to the first element corresponding to a second polarization;
A patch comprising: a switching unit that cuts or connects the second element to or from the first element so that the patch antenna is in a state suitable for the first or second polarization. antenna.

(Supplementary note 2) The first element is composed of a conductor layer having a missing region in which a circular or regular polygonal outer periphery is cut into a concave shape at two predetermined opposing positions,
The second element comprises two conductor layers provided at positions corresponding to each of the two missing regions,
The switching unit includes two switch elements, each of which connects between the first element and the second element and is provided inside the missing region. Patch antenna.

(Supplementary note 3) The patch antenna according to supplementary note 2, wherein each of the two switch elements includes a diode having a cathode connected to the first element and an anode connected to the second element. .

(Supplementary note 4) The patch antenna according to supplementary note 3, wherein the second element is connected to a choke coil, and is connected to a ground potential via the choke coil.

(Appendix 5) Patch antenna,
A housing containing the patch antenna;
An open / close detection unit that detects an open / closed state of the housing and forms an open / close signal indicating the open / closed state;
The patch antenna is
A first element corresponding to the first polarization;
A second element added to the first element corresponding to a second polarization;
A switching unit that disconnects the second element from the first element or connects it to the first element to make the patch antenna suitable for the first or second polarization;
The wireless device, wherein the switching unit switches disconnection of the second element from the first element and connection to the second element based on the opening / closing signal.

(Additional remark 6) The said radio | wireless apparatus consists of a mobile phone, The said mobile phone is provided with the 1st and 2nd housing | casing provided so that opening and closing was possible, and the said patch antenna is provided in either the said 1st or 2nd housing. The wireless device according to appendix 5, characterized by:

(Additional remark 7) The said switching part consists of a switch element which connects between the said 1st and 2nd element. The radio | wireless apparatus of Additional remark 6 characterized by the above-mentioned.

(Supplementary Note 8) The switch element includes a diode having a cathode connected to the first element and an anode connected to the second element.
The wireless device according to appendix 7, wherein the second element is connected to a ground potential via a choke coil.

(Supplementary Note 9) The patch antenna further includes:
Power supply means for the patch antenna;
A power supply line connecting the power supply means and the first element;
The wireless device according to appendix 8, wherein the open / close detection unit applies the open / close signal composed of a direct current component to the diode via the feeder line.

(Supplementary Note 10) When the mobile phone is in an open state, the diode is turned off by the open / close signal, whereby the second element is disconnected from the first element, and the patch antenna is moved to the first bias. It is in a state suitable for waves,
When the mobile phone is in a closed state, the diode is turned on by the open / close signal, whereby the second element is connected to the first element, and the patch antenna is suitable for the second polarization. The wireless device according to appendix 9, wherein the wireless device is in a state.

(Supplementary note 11)
An attitude detection unit that detects an inclination of the housing and forms an attitude signal indicating the inclination;
A control unit that forms a control signal for the switching unit based on the opening / closing signal and the attitude signal;
The wireless device according to appendix 5, wherein the switching unit switches disconnection of the second element from the first element and connection to the second element based on the control signal.

(Supplementary note 12) The wireless device according to supplementary note 11, wherein the inclination of the posture detection unit is provided to be the same as the inclination of the patch antenna with respect to the first and second polarizations.

(Additional remark 13) The attitude | position which the said attitude | position detection part detects the inclination of the said patch antenna in the direction of 3 axes | shafts which are mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, and shows the inclination of X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis Form a signal,
When the control unit makes the X-axis irrelevant to the reception of the first and second polarizations, the control signal of the control signal depends on a combination of the Y-axis attitude signal and the Z-axis attitude signal. 13. The wireless device according to appendix 12, wherein a base intermediate signal is formed, and the control signal is formed based on the intermediate signal and the open / close signal.

(Additional remark 14) The said attitude | position detection part should make the said patch antenna into the state suitable for any of the said 1st and 2nd polarization according to the combination of the attitude signal of the said Y-axis, and the attitude signal of the Z-axis. 14. The wireless device according to appendix 13, wherein a table for pre-determining cracks is provided, and an intermediate signal serving as a basis for the control signal is formed based on the table.

(Supplementary Note 15) One of the Y-axis and Z-axis attitude signals is divided into two groups each having an inclination angle of 180 degrees, and the other is divided into four groups each having an inclination angle of 90 degrees. The wireless device according to appendix 14.

(Supplementary Note 16) a first housing part;
A second housing part that can be opened and closed with respect to the first housing part;
A first antenna element corresponding to the first polarization;
A second antenna element corresponding to the second polarization;
A signal processing unit connected to the first antenna element and the second antenna element for processing a signal received from the antenna element;
A detection unit for detecting an open / closed state of the first casing unit and the second casing unit;
An electronic apparatus comprising: a switching unit that switches connection between the second antenna element and the signal processing unit based on a detection result by the detection unit.

(Additional remark 17) The said switching part is comprised by the switch element which connects the said 2nd antenna element and the said 1st antenna element, and the conduction | electrical_connection and non-conduction are switched according to the detection result by the said detection part. Item 18. The electronic device according to supplementary note 16, wherein

(Supplementary Note 18) A first element having a predetermined planar shape and having an outer periphery formed with a cut along a radial direction;
A second element;
A feed line connected to the first element;
A signal supply unit for applying a direct current signal to the first element via the feeder line;
A switching element that connects one end of the first element and the second element and is rendered conductive by application of the DC signal;
An antenna comprising: a circuit element that is connected to the other end of the second element and is grounded and that allows a DC signal component to pass therethrough.

(Supplementary note 19) The antenna according to supplementary note 18, wherein the switch element is a diode.

(Supplementary note 20) The antenna according to supplementary note 18, wherein the switch element is a transistor.

(Supplementary note 21) a first conductor having a predetermined diameter;
A second conductor arranged to increment an effective diameter of the first conductor when electrically connected to the first conductor;
Detecting means for detecting a state of the device on which the antenna is mounted, and outputting a detection signal according to the detected state;
An antenna comprising: a switch element connected between the first conductor and the second conductor, wherein the switch element is switched between conduction and non-conduction according to the detection signal.

(Supplementary Note 22) In an electronic device having an antenna,
A housing,
An antenna provided in the housing;
A detection unit for detecting the state of the electronic device,
The antenna is
A first conductor portion;
The second conductor portion;
The first conductor portion and the second conductor portion are connected to each other, and a switching portion that can be switched between a conductive state and a non-conductive state,
As a result of detection by the detection unit, when the electronic device is in a state suitable for receiving the first polarized wave, the switching unit is turned off, and the electronic device receives the second polarized wave. When the electronic device is in a state suitable for the electronic device, the switching unit is turned on.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the patch antenna can be brought into a state suitable for the first polarization or a state suitable for the second polarization as necessary. As a result, a wireless device such as a mobile phone can reliably receive weak radio waves with little loss by controlling the patch antenna so as to be optimal for receiving circularly polarized waves according to the open / closed state of the casing. In addition, a patch antenna that can be mounted on a small wireless device such as a mobile phone can be obtained. Therefore, a function for receiving radio waves from a GPS satellite can be installed without increasing the size of the wireless device, and the applicable range of GPS can be expanded.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the patch antenna and radio | wireless apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the mobile telephone which is an example of a radio | wireless apparatus provided with the patch antenna of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the mobile telephone which is an example of a radio | wireless apparatus provided with the patch antenna of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the rotation direction of a circularly polarized wave. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the patch antenna of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the patch antenna of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows another example of the patch antenna and radio | wireless apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the mobile telephone which is an example of the radio | wireless apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the mobile telephone which is an example of the radio | wireless apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Radio equipment 2, 21, 22 Case 3 Rotation support part 4 Patch antenna 5 Capacitor 6 Detection circuit (RF)
7 Open / Close Detection Unit 41 First Element 42 Second Element 43 Switching Unit (PIN Diode)
46 Choke coil 47 Dielectric layer 48 Ground conductor 49 Feed line

Claims (3)

First and second housings that are openable and closable;
A patch antenna provided on either the first or second housing ;
By detecting the open or closed state of said first and second housing and a close detection portion for forming a switching signal indicative of said open and closed states,
The patch antenna is
A first element corresponding to the first polarization;
A second element added to the first element corresponding to a second polarization;
By connecting the second element cut or to which the said first element, and a switching unit for a state of the patch antenna suitable for the first or second polarization,
The switching unit includes a switch element that connects between the first and second elements,
The switch element includes a diode having a cathode connected to the first element and an anode connected to the second element;
The second element is connected to a ground potential via a choke coil;
Based on the opening / closing signal, the switching unit switches disconnection of the second element from the first element and connection to the first element ,
When the first and second housings are in an open state, the diode is turned off by the open / close signal, whereby the second element is disconnected from the first element, and the patch antenna is moved to the first antenna It is in a state suitable for polarization,
When the first and second housings are closed, the second element is connected to the first element by turning on the diode by the open / close signal, and the patch antenna is connected to the second antenna. A wireless device characterized by being suitable for polarization . The wireless device wireless device of claim 1, wherein the ing from the mobile phone. The wireless device further includes:
A posture detecting section that forms an attitude signal indicative of the tilt by detecting the inclination of the housing,
A control unit that forms a control signal for the switching unit based on the opening / closing signal and the attitude signal;
Based on the control signal, the switching unit, wireless device of cutting and claim 1 wherein characterized in that switching the connection to this from the first element of the second element.

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